Clemson prepares for the Cotton Bowl in their first bowl practice Wednesday

CLEMSON, SC (WIS) - The first day of Tiger Bowl practice featured great enthusiasm and energy from the players., despite some having finals on the brain, according to coach Dabo Swinney, with it being exam week and all.

The experience of preparing for the playoffs in the three previous seasons does help with how to manage practices and the players. Dabo believes in the Tigers formula to be successful in the postseason.

There’s a lot to do between now and game day on the 29th against Notre Dame from the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, TX. The keys to winning that showdown are fundamentals, proper technique, physicality, and intelligence.

The mission is to have his Tigers' team ready to execute in all phases while embracing the opportunity to play for a national title.

“I’m pumped up about the opportunity to play in Jerry’s World. And to see what that’s about and the Jumbotron and all that, so, that’s the biggest thing. And having the chance to compete on the highest stage,” Swinney said. “Very few people get the opportunity to do what we are getting the privilege of doing. That’s competing at the highest level and the biggest stage against Notre Dame. It’s awesome, man. If you’re a competitor, you relish those opportunities.”

Clemson will practice in Tiger Town through the Dec. 19. They’ll Enjoy a quick break before they depart for Dallas on Dec. 23.